How your school tax levy rate compares to others across Nebraska

VALENTINE, Neb. — A new report is giving school districts and taxpayers a clearer picture of how levy rates stack up across Nebraska.

During this week’s Valentine Community Schools board meeting, Superintendent Mike Halley shared data compiled by the School Finance Review Commission comparing taxes, credits and levies from one district to another.

“That’s a valuable piece of information for people who are wondering if we’re fiscally responsible,” said Halley.

Halley said he was encouraged by where his district landed. Valentine’s general fund levy is .49, but after tax credits are applied, the effective rate taxpayers feel is .27.

“You don’t see very many of them in the .27 range, so that’s fortunate for us,” said Halley.

To put that into perspective, several nearby districts have higher effective levies. Cody-Kilgore sits at .46, Ainsworth at .35, Gordon-Rushville at .43 and Thedford at .38. Chadron’s effective levy is .61.

A few districts report lower rates, including Keya Paha County at .21.

At the higher end statewide, Walthill and Gering are at .71. Morrill, Isanti, Shelton and Medicine Valley report .70, while Auburn is at .72.

You can view the full report here.